Repeat VBAC or Repeat CSection

I am wondering, for others who have had both a VBAC and a Csection, which they are going to choose this time.

With my first son, I had an unplanned C-section, as a result from fetal distress. My son's cord was wrapped around his neck, and with each contraction his heart rate went down, sometimes to the point where nurses rushed in. After 13 hours of labor my doctors strongly recommended we do a C-section. It was very hard for me at the time, but after he was born I realized it was the best thing, and that my son could have died. I had a great surgery, and recovery. My son breastfed right away, and was with my husband while they stitched me up. My son was perfect, 7 lbs 14 oz, and born a week early.

With my second son, I had a VBAC. I went into labor naturally, used the water tub, eventually asked for an epidural, when I was 6cm (It probably went into effect at 8cm, 2 hours later.) I was at 10cm for 2 hours before I started pushing, and then I pushed for 5 hours. I had a second degree tear and hemmorhoids. My son breastfed, and was also perfect. My recovery was uncomfortable, and it hurt. I feel like I did not heal right, and still pee a little when I sneeze, or throw up. I have started doing my kegels more. My son was an unexpected 9lbs 6 oz, and born a week early.

My 2nd son is 5 months old, and I am 9 weeks pregnant with my 3rd. I feel like this time around I just want to schedule a C-section. I do not know if I caused permanent damage when pushing my baby out. I feel like maybe my stitches didn't heal right. I don't know. In any case, I feel that the c-section was overall a better experience.

Comments (19)

Im right there with you, I had an unplanned c-section with my last child and got pregnant again when he was 10 months old. Im due in August and they told me I could either do a VBAC or scedual another c-section ive been racking my brain for a while now but have come to the conclusion of just going with the c-section, I figured I would rather just have that done then try and have her vaginal and something happen to where I ended up having an emergency c-section.

I had an emergency cs with DS. I'm planning on doing a VBAC with this one but the thought of a uterine rupture scares the hell out of me. My OB says I'm a good candidate for one, but I'm still doing my research. I'd love to hear some VBAC stories. :)

I am already starting to panic about it, my c sec was so traumatic an terrifying I don't want another one. I am worrie about possible rupture. But know I don't want to face a planned c sec as my recover was dreadful last time. I have delivered 3 naturally before the c sec so I am hoping I will do ok.

What is doing my head in is I can't stop thinking about it already. It's causing me to be really anxious.

If you plan on having any more children, i'd recommend attempting another vbac. You should really limit the number of c-sections you have. I have had two and can feel the damage. Having my third and final c/s with this baby. My body cant handle any more uterine incisions.

I've had 2 vaginal births, a c section and my vbac just last year. I'm thankful I got to get my vbac, but this time I'm wondering if I may just get another c section since this my 5th and possibly final baby. Even if I decided to have a 6th child, I still feel pretty good about being able to conceive again and have another vbac if I want. Altho I know it gets harder getting drs on board after more than 1 section.. My current Dr is all for me doing another vbac, I didn't even have to ask, but I'm going to be switching drs so I'll have to see what the new Dr says. I probably will attempt another vbac but I just don't feel as completely against the c section either as I was before. I'm not planning on fighting it to much. None of my recoveries have been bad.

I'm glad to read your post, just because i very rarely read about people who have had both a C/s and a VBAC, and who preferred the C/S. I had a C/s with a rough recovery, and i am hoping for a VBAC this time. I'm still going strong with my plans for a VBAC, but it's good to hear an honest opinion from someone about the realities of VBAC recovery, and how it might not be so rosy and wonderful as most gungho VBAC advocates say :-)

I am having my 3rd csection this time. My doctor won't do vbacs and that is fine by me. My recovery is not all that bad from them and I personally love picking lo birthday and dh is a bug planner. To the point where he has time off already sceduled all the way to the end if the year off. I asked for a vbac last time but she said it is not worth the risk of doing a vbac and I agreed with her. Good luck ladies with all of your choices! I just love at the end that we will have adorable lo to hold no matter how they get there.